980/980E Ionized Air Gun
Data Sheet
The 3M 980 Ionized Air Gun is an excellent tool for
blowing particulate contamination off of any surface,
even from the most static-sensitive products. It
releases a constantly balanced stream of compressed
ionized air or gas that neutralizes static charge that
attracts particulate to a surface. A charge of 1000 volts
is reduced to less than 100 volts in less than a second.
The loose particles can then be easily blown away.
Self-balancing, maintenance-free
The unique ionization system used in the Model 980 is
completely self-balancing; no adjustment or calibration
is needed. It maintains balance to within +/- 30V of
0V (at a distance of 6 inches). The unit is also virtually
maintenance-free; all that is required is occasional
cleaning of the housing and the emitter points.
Unique ergonomic design
The Model 980 was designed to be the most lightweight, comfortable, and easy-to-use ionizing air gun available. All
components of the system – the hand unit and power supply, air hose and power line, and the mounting console – are
extremely lightweight. Unlike the heavy power supplies of most systems that must be tied to the hand unit by means
of a bulky high-voltage cable, the compact power supply of the Model 980 is actually molded into the housing of the
air gun. The power to the hand unit is supplied via thin, low-voltage wire that runs from the console inside the
flexible polyurethane air hose. Thus, the new Model 980 has only a single flexible, lightweight hose between the
base and the gun, making it much easier to handle. The total weight of the hand unit and the 7' long air/power hose is
only 12 ounces. The shape of the gun fits the hand comfortably and does not cause the operator the wrist
hyperextension discomfort that is common with other air gun designs. The nozzle on the tip of the gun is specially
designed to provide efficient, uniform delivery of ionized air while minimizing audible noise and air or gas usage.
Safe, low-voltage power
The Model 980 uses safe, efficient, low-voltage power. Each unit includes a transformer that converts line power
from a standard outlet (120V for the 980, 230V for the 980E) to 24 volts. This low voltage is not only safer, but also
allows the use of much lighter wiring. Standard household telephone wire with familiar RJ-11 snap-in fittings is the
only connection required between the plug-in wall transformer and the mounting console. The system also has an
extremely low level of electromagnetic emissions, minimizing any chance of interference with other electronic
equipment or operations. Model 980/980E units meet all existing industry requirements and carry the UL, C-UL, and
CE marks, as appropriate.
Durable Construction
The hand unit and console are molded of rugged, dissipative polycarbonate for exceptional impact resistance. The
static-dissipative properties make them safe to use around sensitive electronic components. The air hose is made of
tough, flexible polyurethane and is also static-dissipative.
Convenient Mounting Console
The mounting console contains connections for the air lines and power lines and houses the filter attached to the air
line. It weighs just 11.5 ounces, measures 8.5”L x 3.0”W x 1.6”H (21.6 x 7.6 x 4.1 cm), and is easily mounted in any
convenient location at the workstation. Hardware is included for either permanent (using a metal backplate) or semi-
permanent (using hook and loop type strips) mounting.
Replacement/Optional Parts
The air line filter and the emitter points at the tip of the hand unit are the only replaceable parts of the Model 980.
When necessary, each can be replaced in just seconds without any special tools. A foot switch for “hands-free”
operation is available as an option.
980 Ionized Air Gun Typical Properties
Source power
Input power
Ion output
Performance
(per ANSI/ESD-S3.1)
Discharge time (1000V to 100V)
Ion balance
Audible noise
Ozone
Conducted EMI
Console
Construction
Size
Weight
Gas input
Air fittings
Power connections
Hand Unit
Construction
Size
Weight
Emitter points
Air Hose
Construction
Size
Filter efficiency
120V AC (980), 230V AC (980E)
24V AC, < 10W (both models)
Steady state DC
< 0.5 sec @ 6 in, 30 psi
0 +/- 30V
73 dBA @ 1 m, 30 psi
< 0.005 ppm (24 hr accumulation)
29 dB (mV, 100 Khz to 1.1MHz)
Dissipative rigid polycarbonate
8.5L x 3.0W x 1.6H in
(21.6 x 7.6 x 4.1 cm)
11.5 ounces (326 g)
20-65 psi, clean dry air or nitrogen
Standard 1/4 in industrial
RJ-11 telephone snap-in connectors
Dissipative rigid polycarbonate
8.0L x 3.0W x 1.0D in
(20.3 x 7.6 x 2.5 cm)
12.0 oz (341 g) with 7 ft air hose
Tungsten alloy
Dissipative flexible polyurethane
7 ft long, 0.38" OD
99.9% for 0.1 micron particle size
Important Notice
Limited Warranty
– 3M expressly warrants that for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, 3M 980/980E Ionized Air Guns will
be free of defects in materials (parts) and workmanship (labor). If 3M receives notice of such a defect during the warranty period, 3M will
replace at its expense such product that it determines to be defective. Any defective product must be returned to 3M (postage prepaid)
with proof of purchase date.
Warranty Exclusion
– THE FOREGOING EXPRESS WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER PRODUCT WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTIBILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHICH ARE
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. The express warranty will not apply to defects or damage due to accidents, neglect, misuse, alterations,
operator error, or failure to properly maintain, clean, or repair products.
Limit of Liability –
In no event will 3M or any seller be responsible or liable for special, incidental, or consequential losses or damages,
under any legal theory including but not limited to contract, negligence or strict liability. Fulfillment by 3M of its express warranty obligations
described above will be purchaser's exclusive remedy and will be 3M's and seller's limit of liability for any breach of warranty or otherwise.
Electrical Specialties Division
6801 River Place Blvd.
Austin, TX 78726-9000
800/328-1368
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© 3M 1997 98-0799-0417-7